CROATIA Hunting Information

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General info – source wiki

Croatia kroh-AY-shə; Croatian: Hrvatska, pronounced [xř̩ʋaːtskaː]), officially the Republic of Croatia (Croatian: Republika Hrvatska), is a country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the southeast, sharing a maritime border with Italy. Its capital, Zagreb, forms one of the country's primary subdivisions, along with twenty counties. Croatia has an area of 56,594 square kilometres (21,851 square miles) and a population of 4.28 million, most of whom are Roman Catholics.

The sovereign state of Croatia is a republic governed under a parliamentary system and a developed country with a very high standard of living. It is a member of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, NATO, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean. As an active participant in the UN peacekeeping forces, Croatia has contributed troops to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and took a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008–2009 term. Since 2000, the Croatian government has constantly invested in infrastructure, especially transport routes and facilities along the Pan-European corridors.

Croatia's economy is dominated by service, industrial sectors and agriculture. Tourism is a significant source of revenue, with Croatia ranked among the top 20 most popular tourist destinations in the world. The state controls a part of the economy, with substantial government expenditure. The European Union is Croatia's most important trading partner. Croatia provides a social security, universal health care system, and a tuition-free primary and secondary education, while supporting culture through numerous public institutions and corporate investments in media and publishing.


Geography

Croatia is located in Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It borders Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to the southeast, and Slovenia to the northwest. It lies mostly between latitudes 42° and 47° N and longitudes 13° and 20° E. Part of the territory in the extreme south surrounding Dubrovnik is a practical exclave connected to the rest of the mainland by territorial waters, but separated on land by a short coastline strip belonging to Bosnia and Herzegovina around Neum.

The territory covers 56,594 square kilometres (21,851 square miles), consisting of 56,414 square kilometres (21,782 square miles) of land and 128 square kilometres (49 square miles) of water. It is the 127th largest country in the world.[106] Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Dinaric Alpswith the highest point of the Dinara peak at 1,831 metres (6,007 feet) near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the south[106] to the shore of the Adriatic Sea which makes up its entire southwest border. Insular Croatia consists of over a thousand islands and islets varying in size, 48 of which are permanently inhabited. The largest islands are Cres and Krk,[106] each of them having an area of around 405 square kilometres (156 square miles).

The hilly northern parts of Hrvatsko Zagorje and the flat plains of Slavonia in the east which is part of the Pannonian Basin are traversed by major rivers such as Danube, Drava, Kupa, and Sava. The Danube, Europe's second longest river, runs through the city of Vukovar in the extreme east and forms part of the border with Vojvodina. The central and southern regions near the Adriatic coastline and islands consist of low mountains and forested highlands. Natural resources found in the country in quantities significant enough for production include oil, coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, and hydropower. Karst topography makes up about half of Croatia and is especially prominent in the Dinaric Alps. There are a number of deep caves in Croatia, 49 of which are deeper than 250 m (820.21 ft), 14 of them deeper than 500 m (1,640.42 ft) and three deeper than 1,000 m (3,280.84 ft). Croatia's most famous lakes are the Plitvice lakes, a system of 16 lakes with waterfalls connecting them over dolomite and limestone cascades. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from turquoise to mint green, grey or blue.

 

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Biodiversity

Croatia can be subdivided between a number of ecoregions because of its climate and geomorphology. The country is consequently one of the richest in Europe in terms of biodiversity. There are four types of biogeographical regions in Croatia

— Mediterranean along the coast and in its immediate hinterland,

- Alpine in most of Lika and Gorski Kotar,

- Pannonian along Drava and Danube,

- and continental in the remaining areas.

One of the most significant are karst habitats which include submerged karst, such as Zrmanja and Krkacanyons and tufa barriers, as well as underground habitats.

The karst geology harbours approximately 7,000 caves and pits, some of which are the habitat of the only known aquatic cave vertebrate—the olm. Forests are also significantly present in the country, as they cover 2,490,000 hectares (6,200,000 acres) representing 44% of Croatian land surface. Other habitat types include wetlands, grasslands, bogs, fens, scrub habitats, coastal and marine habitats.[109] In terms of phytogeography, Croatia is a part of the Boreal Kingdom and is a part of Illyrian and Central European provinces of the Circumboreal Region and the Adriatic province of the Mediterranean Region. The World Wide Fund for Nature divides Croatia between three ecoregions—Pannonian mixed forests, Dinaric Mountains mixed forests and Illyrian deciduous forests.

There are 37,000 known species in Croatia, but their actual number is estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000.[109] The claim is supported by nearly 400 new taxa of invertebrates discovered in Croatia in the first half of the 2000s alone. There are more than a thousand endemic species, especially in Velebit and Biokovo mountains, Adriatic islands and karst rivers. Legislation protects 1,131 species. The most serious threat to species is loss and degradation of habitats. A further problem is presented by invasive alien species, especially Caulerpa taxifolia algae.

The invasive algae are regularly monitored and removed to protect the benthic habitat. Indigenous sorts of cultivated plants and breeds of domesticated animals are also numerous. Those include five breeds of horses, five breeds of cattle, eight breeds of sheep, two breeds of pigs, and a poultry breed. Even the indigenous breeds include nine endangered or critically endangered ones.[109] There are 444 protected areas of Croatia, encompassing 9% of the country. Those include eight national parks, two strict reserves, and ten nature parks. The most famous protected area and the oldest national park in Croatia is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Velebit Nature Park is a part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. The strict and special reserves, as well as the national and nature parks, are managed and protected by the central government, while other protected areas are managed by counties. In 2005, the National Ecological Network was set up, as the first step in the preparation of the EU accession and joining of the Natura 2000 network



Climate

Most of Croatia has a moderately warm and rainy continental climate as defined by the Köppen climate classification. Mean monthly temperature ranges between −3 °C (27 °F) in January and 18 °C (64 °F) in July. The coldest parts of the country are Lika and Gorski Kotar where snowy forested climate is found at elevations above 1,200 metres (3,900 feet). The warmest areas of Croatia are at the Adriatic coast and especially in its immediate hinterland characterised by the Mediterranean climate, as the temperature highs are moderated by the sea. Consequently, temperature peaks are more pronounced in the continental areas. The lowest temperature of −35.5 °C (−31.9 °F) was recorded on 3 February 1919 in Čakovec, and the highest temperature of 42.8 °C (109.0 °F) was recorded on 4 August 1981 in Ploče.

Mean annual precipitation ranges between 600 millimetres (24 inches) and 3,500 millimetres (140 inches) depending on geographic region and prevailing climate type. The least precipitation is recorded in the outer islands (Biševo, Lastovo, Svetac, Vis) and in the eastern parts of Slavonia. However, in the latter case, it occurs mostly during the growing season. The maximum precipitation levels are observed on the Dinara mountain range and in Gorski kotar.

Prevailing winds in the interior are light to moderate northeast or southwest, and in the coastal area, prevailing winds are determined by local area features. Higher wind velocities are more often recorded in cooler months along the coast, generally as the cool northeasterly bura or less frequently as the warm southerly jugo. The sunniest parts of the country are the outer islands, Hvar and Korčula, where more than 2700 hours of sunshine are recorded per year, followed by the middle and southern Adriatic Sea area in general, and northern Adriatic coast, all with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

National parks (8)

Hunting or fishing is not allowed in national parks.

Plitvice lakes (since 1949): www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr

Paklenica (Since 1949): www.paklenica.hr

Risnjak (Since 1953): www.risnjak.hr

Mljet island (since 1960): www.np-mljet.hr

Kornati (Since 1980): www.np-kornati.hr/en/

Briuni (since 1983): www.brijuni.hr

Krka (since 1985): www.npkrka.hr

Sjeverni Velebit (since 1999): www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr



Nature parks (11)

Hunting in nature parks (PP = parkovi prirode) is allowed, in dedicated areas of nature parks under concession, managed by local hunting clubs or private concession holders or govt forestry company.

Kopacki rit (since 1967): www.kopacki-rit.com

Papuk (since 1999): www.pp-papuk.hr

Lonjsko polje (since 1990): www.pp-lonjsko-polje.hr

Medvednica (since 1981) : www.pp-medvednica.hr

Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje (since 1999): www.park-zumberak.hr

Učka (since 1999): www.pp-ucka.hr

Velebit (since 1981): www.pp-velebit.hr

Vrana lake (since 1999): www.vransko-jezero.hr/cms/

Telašćica (since 1988): www.telascica.hr

Biokovo (since 1981): www.biokovo.com

Lastovsko otočje (since 2006): www.pp-lastovo.hrhttp://www.pp-velebit.hr/

Strict reserves

· Bijele and Samarske stijene

· Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi

Special reserves

There are 80 special reserves in Croatia:

· 37 forest vegetation reserves

· 22 ornithological reserves

· 9 botanical reserves

· 2 ichthyological reserves

· 2 ichthyological and ornithological reserves

· 2 zoological reserves

· 2 sea reserves

· 1 geological and paleontological reserve

· 1 paleontological reserve

· 1 geographical and botanical reserve

· 1 botanical and zoological reserve

 

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Tourist info

Currency: Croatian kuna (HRK). For years kept as steady value with rate of change fixed to Euro, with minor exchange rate differences.

Average rate of change is 100 EUR = 740 HRK, 100 USD = 650 HRK

As per recent public release, Euro will be accepted as official currency in period between 2023 and 2025.

International telephone call sign: 00 385 (+385)

 

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Safety & Security

Croatia is considered as safe and secure country, and one of top touristic destinations on Mediterranean coast.

See below contacts type of security:

Emeregncy contacts are following:

All types of emergency calls: 112.

Police department: 192 (or 112)

https://mup.gov.hr/

Fire department: 193 (or 112)

Paramedics: 194 (or 112)

GSS: Mountain rescue service (assistance country-wide, plus sea and island rescue): 112

http://www.gss.hr/

HAK - Croatian auto club (Road assistance, breakdown of cars, etc): (+385 1) 1987

https://www.hak.hr/

SAR – Search and rescue at Sea: 195 (or 112)

https://mmpi.gov.hr/more-86/sigurno...i-spasavanje-na-moru-195-ustrojstvo-nis/19612

 

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Road & Plane Travelers info:

Croatia is well connected by network of interstate highways. Payment is by cash, or credit cards.

Croatia is member of EU, but not member of Schengen countries. It should however enter Schengen countries in 2020, as per public reports.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area

Until that time this means:

On border towards the EU countries there is still police passport, ID check and security check. But not custom office.

When travelling by car to Dubrovnik region, the traveler will have to pass a stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina, few kilometers, on the Adriatic coast, with usual and full security border checks. So, passports and documents to be ready.

However, it is possible to cross marine channel by ferry, and get to Peljesac peninsula and proceed to Dubrovnik, and in this way not entering and transiting other state of BiH.

(neigbouring countries to the east: Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are not member of EU)

At this moment (2019), a bridge is being built from Croatia mainland to Peljesac peninsula, so when finished, in this way Dubrovnik enclave will be connected directly by road with the rest of homeland.

Croatia is small country and using the car, every part of the country can be reached within few hours. However, there is national airline Zagreb – Dubrovnik, available. (Croatia airlines)

International airports:

Zagreb

Osijek

Pula

Split

Dubrovnik

Rijeka (island of Krk) - seasonal

 

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Hunting areas:

Entire country side of Croatia is hunting grounds, divided to specific hunting concessions. This makes cca 80% of country dedicated for hunting.

Managing of hunting areas are under local concession holders. They can be hunting clubs, commercial enterprises, private concession holders, or under government owned forestry company, managing the forests, wood industry and as a part of their activities – game management.

(Croatian forestry “Hrvatske Sume”: https://www.hrsume.hr/index.php/hr/ )

In Croatia, there is approximately 1200 hunting clubs.

As per law, every concession holder, club, private owner, or company – can offer hunt deals to visiting hunters. (or invite guests to hunt for free…)

Many clubs are closed type – members only.

Some clubs offer specific hunts only: for example, seasonal group hunts for woodcock (very popular with Italian hunters), or trophy bear hunts for one or two tags per year, or boar driven hunts in winter, etc…

And some hunting concessions are open to offer all types of hunting to offer to visitors.

Unfortunately, great majority of such organizations do not (yet) have web pages, to be contacted directly. Some can be found on the Facebook.

So, in order to get hunting offer in most cases several reputable hunting agencies can offer hunts to visiting clients, as they keep in touch with local clubs, and others. Croatia is small country, and every reputable agent can offer hunts country wide in most areas of country, and for all species.

For first time hunting visitor, recommendation is then to use reputable agency.

Croatian Hunting Federation (HLS: Hrvatski Lovacki Savez)

https://www.hls.com.hr/

This is main hunting organization of Croatia. Member of CIC, and FACE – international organizations.

All national and visiting hunters are registered in this organization, and HLS will issue a hunter’s id card.

Hunters ID card by HLS, is main document for the hunter. For international hunters ID card is arranged by agency, outfitter, or the club where he is hunting.

All laws and regulation related to hunting can be found by links given on their web pages.

Also, they are giving suggested trophy fees on their pages, around which many of the operators are forming their prices.

Just like for other Croatian web sites, in case English language version is not available, then google translator to be used.

 

[mark-hunter]

Gun Laws in Croatia, documents and & Hunting

Gun laws in Croatia, member state of EU, are made compliant with general EU firearms directive.

Civilian firearms ownership for Croatians is allowed for: hunting, sport shooting, historic firearms collecting, and - in very restricted cases - for self-defense. Historic fire arms collectors are not allowed to have ammunition for collected firearms, and special permit for collection must be issued.

In order to obtain firearms license, Croatian citizen must be

1) registered licensed hunter, or

2) active competition shooter, or

3) registered collector, or

4) to prove the need for self-protection.

All firearms owners, before getting the permit must pass medical check, and background checks by police department.

General rules (for Croatians and foreign visitors – hunters):

In Croatia - all automatic firearms are banned in private possession.

Silencers are not allowed.

Bows or crossbows – are not allowed for hunting. But very likely in the future bow hunting might be allowed, as there are various groups lobbying for this.

Muzzleloaders are not allowed for hunting.

Pistols and revolvers, for hunting are allowed, but as per law: limited use exclusively for shot of mercy, or finishing shot of wounded game. Minimum caliber of pistol or revolver for this purpose is 7.62 mm, and 300 joules of energy, and up.

(Practically, 7.62 is meant for 7,62x25 mm TT – very common caliber in country, and 300 joules in pistols means 7.62x25 and 9x19 mm, upwards, whilst 9x18 Makarov will be marginal or even underpowered and not accepted always)

Transportation of firearms: rifles will be transported in bags, or suitcases unloaded and separated from ammunition. Pistols and revolvers will be transported in bags, or suitcases, unloaded, locked and separated from ammunition.

Using of firearms is allowed only in hunting areas or, shooting ranges.

Storage of firearms in approved metal or similar lockers, in the place of residence. Unloaded.

Various types of muzzle brakes, are allowed

Foreign citizen- as visiting hunter can bring to Croatia: up to three pieces of hunting firearms, with 500 pcs of shotgun cartridges, or 100 rifle/pistol cartridges.

Documents:

EU citizens will have EU firearms passport issued in their country of residence. Other, third country nationals will have other type of document – to proof their legal ownership of the firearms, issued by authorities of their country, id documents – passport. Invitation letter from outfitter.

For actual hunting, a visiting hunter needs to obtain following document, which outfitter or local hunting club will arrange:

Hunters ID card – issued by Croatian Hunting federation (valid one year).

Permit to hunt – a paper document, size A5, issued by local club, or concession holder, specifying species to hunt, valid for actual local hunting area only.

Note: legal requirement is that 8 big game species should not be moved from position of where are shot, before a tag is attached to animal. After attaching the tag, only then the game can be taken to a car and transported. Once the venison is butchered only then tag can be removed. Then the certificate of origin of venison or parts will be issued.

When hunting, shooting at 300 meters or less distance from the houses in rural areas, roads, highways, or housing is not allowed. Hunter must be sure he is at farther distance from any residence. Many villages in the country are inside hunting areas. And hunting areas are frequently bordering towns

Semiautomatic fire arms (rifles and shotguns) are allowed for hunting, with maximum capacity of 2 cartridges in magazine + 1 in chamber.


Minimum Caliber requirements for hunting:

Brown Bear:

3500 joules (2582 pounds) at 100 meters (110 yards), minimum bullet weight 11.5 grams (178 grain), max distance shooting 100 meters (110 yards)

Comment: this means 9.3x62, 338 win mag, 8x68, 300 win mag, end similar, while calibers like 8x57, 30-06 will be marginal depending of actual load and bullet weight.

Red deer, fallow deer, wild boar:

2500 joules (1844 foot pounds) at 100 meters (110 yards), minimum bullet weight 8.5 grams (131 grain), max shooting distance 150 meters (164 yards)

Exceptionally, for wild boar driven hunts only, shotgun slugs can be used, up to 40 meters distance. (44 yards)

Comment: This means, 30-06, 8x57, 7x64, 270-win, 308 win and similar category. Those are also locally considered all-round calibers.

Mouflon, chamois, axis deer:

2000 joules (1475 foot pounds) at 100 meters (110 yards), minimum bullet weight 4.8 grams (44 grains), max shooting distance 200 meters (219 yards)

Comment: various 6.5 mm, 243 win, etc

Roe deer, and youngs of above game species:

1000 joules (737 foot pounds) at 150 meters (164 yards) , minimum bullet weight 3.24 grams (50 grain), max shooting distance 150 meters (164 yard)

Comment: this means calibers in the level of 223 rem, 7.62x39, and similar

For small game, and birds, shot size (given in millimeters):

Fox, jackal, badger:

Shot size 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm, max shooting distance 50 meters (45 yards)

Geese, hares:

Shot size 3.0 – 4.0 mm, max shooting distance 50 meters (45 yards)

Martens, mongoose, pheasant, ducks, crows

Shot size 3.0 – 3.5 mm, max shooting distance 40 meters (44 yards)

Partridge, quail, snipe, pigeon, jays, woodcock

Shot size 1.7 – 3.5 mm, max shooting distance 35 meters (38 yards)

Exceptionally, fox, badger, jackal, crows, jays, it is allowed to hunt using rifle with minimum caliber 22LR, or stronger.

For all waterfowl hunting, non-lead shot to be used.

 

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Huntable game species and hunting seasons

Croatia has total of 43 huntable species: 11 big game species, 10 small game furred species, and 22 bird species.

Hunting season per species is different, but some species are also huntable year-round (wild boar, fox, jackal, etc)

The best time to hunt is last two weeks of September (10 big game species are huntable), and then continued with less number of game species till end of January next year. Big game hunting in spring: for roe buck and brown bear.

Notable species NOT huntable, and protected by law are:

Wolf (Canis lupus),

European wild cat (Felis silvestris Schr.),

European beaver (Castor fiber L.), Lynx (lynx lynx),

Lynx (lynx lynx)

Cappercaille (Tetrao urogallus).

There are various protection, conservation or re-introduction projects for these species, presently ongoing, whereas beaver and wolf population are thriving (creating damages), and game management program may be implemented soon (hunting, on limited basis). Beavers are creating significant floods by blocking drain channels by dams, in north eastern plains of Slavonia, population is hard to estimate, and rapidly increasing. Wolves are estimated at around 400 or more, and frequently devastate sheep flocks and livestock.

Lynx and capercaillie are in small numbers, and re-introduction and breeding programs are in place. Will not be huntable in foreseeable future.

Wild cat is locally in good numbers but protected under EU legislative. Legally hunted until recently.

Big game (8 + 3) species:

Reed deer. (Cervus elaphus L.), in Croatia known as “King of the woods”

Indigenous species in Croatia. Free range hunting, or fenced hunting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_deer

Stag: from 16.08 till 15.02

Doe: from 01.09 till 15.01

Calf: 01.09 till 28.02

CIC scoring:

Bronze medal: 170 CIC – 189.99 CIC

Silver medal: 190 CIC – 209.99 CIC

Glod medal: 210 - up


Fallow deer (Dama dama L.)

Introduced species in Croatia. Usually fenced hunting or free range on islands.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallow_deer

Buck: from 16.09 till 15.02

Doe: from 01.10 till 31.01

Calf: from 01.10 till 28.02

CIC scoring:

Bronze medal: 160 CIC – 169.99 CIC

Silver medal: 170 CIC – 179.99 CIC

Gold medal: 180 CIC - up



Axis deer (Axis axis H. Smith)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chital

Introduced species in Croatia. Limited hunting on island of Rab, and island of Dugi otog, possibly elsewhere if managed in high fence.

Buck: hunted in period after antlers velvet is removed

Doe: when not pregnant

Calf: All year around

CIC scoring:

Bronze medal: 260 CIC – 279.99 CIC

Silver medal: 280 CIC – 299.99

Gold medal: 300 CIC - up


Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roe_deer

Indigenous species in Croatia. Free range hunting. In Croatia know as “The prince of the woods”.

Buck: from 16.04 till 31.09

Doe: from 01.09 till 31.01

Fawn: from 01.09 till 31.01

CIC scoring:

Bronze medal: 105 CIC – 114.99 CIC

Silver medal: 115 CIC – 129.99 CIC

Gold medal: 130 CIC - up



Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamois

Indigenous species in Croatia. Free range hunting.

Hunting from 01.10 till 31.01

CIC scoring:

Billy:

Bronze: 100 CIC – 104.99

Silver: 105 CIC – 109.99 CIC

Gold: 110 CIC - up

Nanny:

Bronze: 95 CIC – 99.99 CIC

Silver: 110 CIC – 104.99 CIC

Gold: 105 CIC - up



Mouflon (Ovis aries musimon Pall.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouflon

Although introduced, considered (almost) as indigenous species in Croatia. Free range hunting in coastal areas and islands. High fenced in mainland Croatia.

Hunted all year round.

Ewes and young: from 01.08 till 31.12

CIC scoring:

Bronze: 185 CIC – 194.99 CIC

Silver: 195 CIC – 204.99

Gold: 205 - up



Wild boar (Sus scrofa L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_boar

Indigenous species in Croatia. And most numerous. Can be hunted free range or in fences. This is he only big game species allowed to shoot in driven hunts. In Croatia it is also commonly known as “Black game”.

Boar, young, and piglets: hunted all year round

Saw: from 01.08 till 31.01

CIC scoring:

Bronze: 110 CIC – 114.99 CIC

Silver: 115 CIC – 119.99 CC

Gold: 120 - up



Brown bear (Ursus arctos L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_bear

Indigenous species in Croatia. Hunted from high stand, pre-baited. In Croatia it is known as “The Tsar of the woods”.

There are two annual hunting seasons, spring and fall:

In spring: from 01.03 till 15.05

In fall: from 16.09 till 15.12

CIC scoring:

For hide:

Bronze: 250 CIC – 274.99 CIC

Silver: 275 CIC – 299.99 CIC

Gold: 300 CIC - up

For scull:

Bronze: 53 CIC – 54.99 CIC

Silver: 55 CIC – 56.99 CIC

Gold: 57 CIC - up


Special cases of big game (3).

All above 8 species are listed as huntable game and are traditionally hunted. However, there are three more species that became possible to hunt, in recent years: Aoudad, dalmatian wild sheep, and kri kri ibex.

Croatian Hunting federation, through the local clubs as practical operators will issue CIC trophy certificate, but these three are not (yet), in the list of trophy species of Croatian hunting federation, so this organization will not issue trophy certificate, till internal regulations of the organization change, and they get on list of huntable trophy species.

Hunters will have to see, should they wish so, and check if their national hunting organisation may issue trophy certificate, based on export papers, and hunting documents issued in Croatia. Or, trophy certificate to be issued in case that local outfitter is licensed under SCI or other organization, and approved as official measurer.


Aoudad, barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbary_sheep

Introduced species. Hunting in known to take please only in one high fenced area, central Dalmatia near town of Split.

Dalmatian wild sheep:

Indegenous species. Free range hunting, on the islands, and coastal areas. All year round

Kri-Kri ibex:

Free range hunting, on the islands, and coastal areas. All year round

For Dalmatian sheep, and ibex, arguably, islands of Plavnik and Dugi otok, and Mali Losinj are recognized with population of best gene pool.

 

[mark-hunter]

SMALL GAME (10 species)

Badger (meles meles)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_badger

Indigenous species. Free range hunting.

From 01.08 till 31.12

CIC scoring, scull:

Bronze: 22 CIC – 22.49 CIC

Silver: 22.50 CIC – 22.99 CIC

Gold: 23 CIC - up



White breasted marten (martes Foina Her)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beech_marten

Hunting all year round.



Pine marten (martes martes l.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_pine_marten

Hunting from 01.11 till 28.02



Hare (Lepus europaeus Pall)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_hare

Hunting from 01.10 till 15.01. (shotgun, only)



Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_rabbit

Hunting all year round. Shotgun only.



Edible dormouse (Glis Glis)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edible_dormouse

Hunting from 01.10 till 30.11.



Red fox (lupes lupes)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_fox

All year round. Shotgun or rifle.

CIC scoring, scull:

Bronze: 24 CIC – 24.49 CIC

Silver: 24.50 CIC – 25.99 CIC

Gold: 26 CIC - up


Jackal (Canis aureus L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_jackal

All year round. Shotgun or rifle.

CIC scoring, scull:

Bronze: 25 CIC – 25.49 CIC

Silver: 25.50 CIC – 25.99 CIC

Gold: 26 CIC - up

CIC scoring, hide:

Bronze: 50 CIC – 54.99 CIC

Silver: 55 CIC – 59.99 CIC

Gold: 60 CIC - up



European polecat (Mustela putorius L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_polecat

All year round. Shotgun or rifle.



Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ishneumon L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_mongoose

Introduced species, during Austro-Hungarian empire era, for snake and pest control on island of Mljet. Population went out of control, and now is considered pest. It is believed to have crossed narrow sea channel towards the main land, and now spreading in area of Peljesac peninsula.

Hunting is all year around.



BIRDS (22 species)

Phaesant (Phasianus sp. L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasianus

Hunting: from 16.09 till 31.01



Rock Partirdge (Alectoris graeca Meissn.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_partridge

Hunting from 01.10 till 15.01



Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chucar)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chukar_partridge

Hunting from 01.10 till 15.01

Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_partridge

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.12



Common quail (Coturnix coturnix L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_quail

Hunting is from 01.08 till 14.11



Virginia quail, New world quail (Coturnix virginiana L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_quail

Hunting is from 01.08 till 31.01


Euroasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_woodcock

Hunting is from 01.10 till 28.02



Common snipe (Gallinago gallinago L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_snipe

Hunting is from 16.10 till 31.01



Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_wood_pigeon

Hunting is from 01.08 till 31.01





Rock pigeon or common pigeon (Columba livia Gmelin)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_dove

Hunting is from 01.08 till 31.01



Bean goose (Anser fabalis Latham)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bean_goose

Hunting is from 01.11 till 31.01



Carrion Crow (Corvus corone cornix L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrion_crow

Hunting from 01.08 till 28.02



Common crow (Corvus frugilegus L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvus

Hunting from 01.08 till 28.02



Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_jackdaw

Hunting from 01.08 till 28.02



Magpie (Pica pica L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_magpie

Hunting from 01.08 till 28.02





Jay (Garrulus glandarius L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_jay

Hunting from 01.08 till 28.02



Ducks:

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallard

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01



Common pochard (Aythya ferina L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aythya

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01



Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufted_duck

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01



Garganey (Anas querquedula L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garganey

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01



Common or Euroasian teal (Anas crecca L.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_teal

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01



Common Coot (Fulica atra L)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_coot

Hunting from 01.09 till 31.01

 

[mark-hunter]

 

[mark-hunter]

Hunting Ethics, customs and etiquette (Last but not least)

Ok, in the begging of this part to make a long story - short:

- Military style (or tactical) firearms are not appreciated (avoid bringing these to hunt)

- Military style camo, not appreciated, but hunting camo is OK, like real – tree and similar

- Blue jeans – not accepted

- Better yet, use green, or brown hunting clothes

- Don’t be late

- Be sober

- Apply all basic rules of gun safety

- Be kind, ask if something is not clear. Be gentleman

- During breaks and lunch breaks, empty the rifle, brake open, make visible to others

- Hunters drink with left hand

- After a kill, hunter will put a green twig on right side of his hat

- After a kill, big game will be given “last bite”, green twig placed in a mouth of animal

- After a kill, big game is positioned on its right side.

- Help other hunters whenever necessary. (to start fire, to pull the game, to change the tire, etc)

In following text, for curiosity, lets make the short story – long!

Customs, and etiquette:

Croatia brings hunting traditions from Mittel-Europe, through Austro Hungarian and Habsburgh times, when nobility was running and managing their hunting, and chivalry-like ethics was developed and evolved ever since, visible in various social customs, of German, Austrian, Hungarian and local origin and influence.

Respect for hunting ethics, traditions and customs is not only a virtue of hunters, but it should also be their indispensable obligation. Nurturing and keeping existing hunting customs, introducing new, beautiful and content ones that have already become domesticated in other hunting organizations, would enrich our social life and make our company more enjoyable, more diverse, more cheerful.

We must always bear in mind that wildlife is not only a target, that it should never be viewed solely as meat, but a part of nature that every hunter must deeply respect and appreciate. Hunters express their love for nature and wildlife through active and professional work on breeding, preserving, conserving protecting, settling and feeding game, especially during extreme weather and natural disasters.

The hunter will pursue the game in such a manner to give the animal a chance to escape. The game is not fired at, if the distance is too large (>150 m) as it may result in wounding the game and therefore in loss to both the hunter and the nature. If the game is injured, the hunter is obliged to find the injured game with the help of a blood hound within 24 hours from the moment of the wounding and, if necessary, to make finishing shoot.

Compliance with ethical rules must always be in the hunter's mind. For example, the rabbit is not shot if it is logged, the pheasant is not fired at, if it walks on the ground, the duck is not shot while on the water, or the partridge while on the ground. Big game is not shot while on the move (except for hunting wild boar in driven hunts).

If the game is shot twice, by two different hunters in determining the rightful hunter, the "first ball, last bird-shot" rule applies. If more than one hunter shoots the same big game, the trophy belongs to the hunter who FIRST fatally wounded the animal, even if the game did not fall in tracks and other hunters had to look for it. That wound counts for the "first ball."

If more hunters are shooting at small-game hunting, the animal is considered to belong to the one who dropped the game.

In disputed cases, the hunting manager or hunt-master decides on rightful hunter.

There are some other ethical rules that hunters should abide by:

Hunting occurs at the scheduled (agreed) time at the meeting place.

Hunter does not go hunting unrested or without good night sleep, or even worse - drunk, dirty or improperly dressed. (military camo, trousers, blue jeans, civilian clothes – is not appreciated)

For your own safety, it is a good practice to wear a fluorescent vest or strap.

Before breaks, or lunch breaks during hunting day, make sure to unload the rifle and hold it broken so that it is visible to everyone. Bolt actions preferably kept with open bolts. When the rifle is empty, the rifle is pointed upwards or into the ground.

Hunter always carries enough ammunition, as it is not nice to borrow ammunition from others during the hunt.

When going to or leaving from the peg, stand, or blind, it is not nice to make loud talks, or sing, as the game should not be disturbed out loud.

The stand (or peg) on which the hunter is assigned by the hunt-master must not be abandoned until a signal is received, or order given from hunt-master. The orders of the hunt-master must be obeyed for his own sake and for the sake of others.

Firearms are loaded only when arriving on a stand, peg, or blind. Unloaded always when leaving the position.

The animal that runs to your neighbor’s stand/peg is never fired at, regardless of the "certainty" of the hit from your stand. (it is ethical to give a chance to your neighbor)

If the hunters are positioned along the forest road or the long forest clearings and close to each other, as a rule, shoot at the game at your left.

If the hunter is invited to a hunt, it is not polite, to shoot everything that is moving, but only at specific game as instructed during initial briefing (regardless of hunting season on other game if open).

Hunter does not bring dogs that do not have a pedigree, a bitch that is in heat or young and inexperienced, untrained dog. The dog belonging to other hunter is not called, fed, patted or tied by others; it is the obligation of its owner.

When shooting, always take care of the surroundings and the background to avoid accidents.

During breaks, the dog should be strapped and given to eat and, especially on hot days, to drink fresh water. Obligation of the owner

Respecting hunting traditions and hunting customs is a virtue of the hunter. This reflects both his attitude towards his hunting comrades and his attitude towards wildlife.

Following traditional customs must not be avoided, hunters to be familiar with:

- a joint meeting and briefing before the group hunt begins,

- a meeting and respects paid to the hunted game after hunting,

- the provision of a green twig (branch) after successful hunting of large game – to successful hunter,

- The last bite given to hunted animal, by putting a green twig in its mouth

- hunted game will be positioned on its right side

- the hunting trial or baptism (rite of passage of young hunter) - the introduction of trainees in the circle of mature hunters

-and the posthumous farewell of the hunter.

Meeting and briefing before the hunt begin

At the gathering place, the meeting place, the horn is sounded. Hunting participants are lined up in formations. After the lineup, a "Hello everyone" is sounded. At the soundm in the lineup, the hats are removed. The welcoming speech is given by the president of the club (hunting area manager), who, among other things, says that the hunt-master is the hunting leader and that he will give further instructions.

After the President's "Greetings to the Hunters", attendees put on hats and caps.

The hunt-master then provides the necessary information and hunting instructions and rules, which participants must adhere to: hunting method, number of consecutive drives (if hunted by drive), type of game being hunted, warns about safety rules when handling weapons (may also conduct the documents check, weapons check, and complete any last paperwork). How to use hunting dogs (control of canine documents), use of other sound signals, information about breaks and lunch, etc. Then he removes his hat (hat), which is done by other participants in the hunt.

Finally, he pronounces "Dobra kob."

During the hunt, hunters may gather to rest,, to have breakfast or lunch. It's not nice to see hunters sitting individually or in groups sitting and eating each one from their backpack. It is a nice hunting custom for hunters to gather in one place designated by the hunt-master. All the hunters sit in a circle, take the food they brought back from their backpacks and put it in front of all the hunters - on a common table.

The hunter is toasting and taking drink always with his left hand! This is the way how hunters can unmistakably recognize. In some hunting clubs, if hunter takes glass with right hand, he will have to pay round for everybody!

Meeting and respects paid to the hunted game after hunting:

This is the custom that hunters gather around the game after the hunt is over to pay their last respects to animals.

Prior to this ceremony, a specially assembled game may be trumpeted with a hunters horn on which the lined up hunters take off their hats or caps.

Hunters, hunting guides, and other participants take their place at the forefront (on the left side of the game). On the opposite side are trumpeters, hunting dog guides and a hounds.

Everyone is facing the game. Each animal should, as a rule, lie on its right side. If a large hunt is organized in which small and large game is hunted, the game shall be classified in lines after hunting as follows:

- deer by trophy strength (antlers)

- does

- wild boars regardless of sex but by weight

- roe deer

- roe does

- rabbits

- pheasants

- snipes, woodcocks

- partridges

- quail

- unprotected game, or small predators

Every tenth piece of small game is pulled out of order for easy counting.

In very big hunts, it is very nice hunting practice today to collect and place all game in quarters, eg: 10 rows of 10 pheasants, 25 rows of 25 rabbits, etc.

This so-called "table" and shows hunters success in hunting.

If small predator, such as a fox, is caught, it is put in the same way, with the tail being is twisted from the body at right angles, sideways.

The hunt-master then reports to the president of the club (hunting area manager), about the success of the hunt, the number of game killed, and evaluates the behavior of hunters and hunters.

After this the horn sounds "salute to the hunt". And hunters can approach and take the game.

It is a nice hunting custom that the game must be collected by the hunter who shot the game, (infront other hunters) and if the game is bigger - heavier, then the hunter must first touch it, after that others will help

Campfires may be lit on corners of exposed rows of game.

Hunters are not allowed to overstep or tread across game, much less roll up their sleeves and get to the butcher's business, at that point.

It is a good custom to photograph or shoot a shot game, but make sure that it is done with due respect for the game.

After the hunt is over, the horn is sounded "the hunt is over" and the hunt manager once again greets all the participants in the hunt and invites them to a joint gathering for "last drive". It is usually lunch, or dinner and socializing of all participants in the hunt.

Hunting twig (tree branch)

It is an old and nice hunting practice to give to successful hunter a broken green branch – twig, for most valuable game killed: deer, bears, roe deer, etc. The twig must be broken off, not cut off.

Usually it is dipped in a blood, in a wound of animal shot, presented to hunter in a hat, or on the knife by , who -in turn, place the twig on his hat, on the right side of his hat

It is a green twig usually from pine or oaks. If there is no green, an oak twig or other with dried leaves may also serve.

Such a twig in group hunts is handed over by the hunt-muster or guide, or the oldest, most experienced hunter in the group. When hunting by stalking, waiting or calling, it is given by the one who accompanies the hunter. A broken twig, dipped in the blood of wild game, is handed to the hunter with his left hand on a hat or hunting knife with congratulations, and right hand is reserved for handshake.

In group (festive) driven hunts, a suitable whistle, or horn sound is blown when handing out a twig.

The second twig is inserted into the mouth of the game caught, it is called “the last bite”.

The hunter wears a twig on his hat that day..

Division of game/ venisson

It is customary for the game or venison to be distributed among the participants in the hunt. If the guests are hunting, then they are first donated, then the younger hunters and other participants in the hunt.

The trophy belongs to the hunter who made the kill. The game is distributed by a hunter with the help of one of the older and more experienced hunters.

Before consuming game, the meat must be ted to veterinary analysis, which is especially true for large game and wild boars

According to old written or verbal statutes, hunting ethics and the customs of the hunting club, every young hunter must be tried, and sentenced - after his first kill, For the trial - The judge, the jury, the defender are chosen from senior hunters. Accused is the young hunter of his first kill. He is found guilty of course, after making many excuses. Sentence is later either by paying the round (one or more) of drinks to entire party. Take simulation of “ass beating”, and similar.




Honors at funeral:

It is the responsibility of the Hunting Club to pay tribute to its deceased member, express their respect and appreciation for contributing to the wellbeing of the Hunting Organization. The escort is entirely managed by the hunt-master and, if prevented, is replaced by the President of the club, or the Clubs Secretary. Hunters participating in the escort must be in ceremonial hunting uniforms, with hats on their heads during the ceremony. The guard of honor and the hunter who will deliver the honorary speech must have a covered fir twig for the hat and, as a rule, white gloves. Three hunters are selected from those closest to the deceased, who, in ceremonial uniforms, go to visit the family of the deceased and express their condolences on behalf of the hunting society and its members, and ask for permission to join the funeral rite. The guard of honor of the six hunters gives the final honors five minutes before the coffin is brought out and the funeral rite begins. An honor guard is placed sideways, three on each side of the stage; the lower hunters come from the front and the higher from the rear. If necessary, the guard of honor takes the coffin (tabut) and transports it to the burial place where it is lowered into the crab. They remain here until the end of the rite, facing the race, or until the end of the farewell speech by the representative of the hunting society (hunter, president or secretary), which is, as a rule, the last speech. The person who gave the farewell speech removes the fir twig from the hat, places it on the circumference of the hat, then shakes it from the hat, saying, "Rest in peace in the shadow of eternal hunting grounds or with a prayer of prayer." The Honor Guard hunters repeat the process and move away from the rake.

The club, or organisation chooses twelve hunters to simulate an honorary farewell hunt at the end of the farewell rite.

In modern (anti-gun) times, obviously, this must be agreed in advance with local police department

These hunters line up in front of the coffin, two in a row with the barrel of the shotgun rifles folded over their left arm and the club flag at the head of the group. This group of hunters, when they arrive at the burial ground in the procession, separate and go to a predetermined place for the honorary hunt. This place must be at least 30 meters away from the burial site, fully secured against any inconvenience. Hunters line up at least one meter apart from each other. On signal (horn) that the funeral rite is over, hunter group for the simulated farewell hunt, next signal (hunting horn,) indicates the start of firing. Hunters turn in the opposite direction from the burial site load the shotguns with two cartridges, and start firing individually into the air from left to right at unequal intervals, simulating the situation as in actual hunting. As the last hunter on the right also fired his cartridges, the hunter marks the end of the honorary goodbye hunt with a horn.


Other hunters who are not in charge of the rite are also required to be in ceremonial uniforms in the funeral procession.

All hunters at funeral, will wear green twig on left side of hat.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Thank you for creating this overview for us.

 

[johnnyblues]

Quite the thread, loaded with information.

 

[mark-hunter]

It took me some time to compile all information, but now is (almost) fully updated.

However, it is not more, then African info by country - already made by Jerome.

I only used African style of presentation which to me seamed as perfect model.

When having more time, I was thinking to make presentation of cic scoring system, which is widely used in European countries
and unfortunately very much related to pricing.

 

[Chago]

Wow well done. I wish I could like it more then once. Well done.

 

[mark-hunter]

Wow well done. I wish I could like it more then once. Well done.

Ehhh,
Well, you could like every of 10 or 11 consecutive posts, I wouldnt mind. LOL

Thats a joke, I apprecite the comment!

 

[wesheltonj]

. . . When having more time, I was thinking to make presentation of cic scoring system, which is widely used in European countries and unfortunately very much related to pricing.

That would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mark-hunter]

Croatia is not big country, is not big hunting country, but it is on touristic map, especially for Europeans.

In town of Brod na Kupi, near Slovenian border to the west, a hunting museum have permanent exhibition of local, but also african trophies.

A visiting traveler going from capital (Zagreb) to the coast for summer hollidays, can easily make a small detour to see the trophies.
River Kupa is also famous for rafting!

Museum has modest collection of plains game of Africa, plus dangerous game. But there are nice samples of premium game such as roan and sable, sammples of spiral horns, tiny ten, small african game.

Adress of museum:
Kralja Tomislava 1, 51301 Brod na Kupi
Croatia
Europe

Museum is situated in old Zrinski Castle.

 

[sierraone]

I spent a year in Croatia in 97-98. Beautiful country, but still unstable when I was there. Lots of big stags and hogs along the the Dunav levy system that bordered Serbia and pheasants in much of the farm land. Biggest treat for me at the time was Tito's hunting camp, which was still in usable condition even though he had already been dead 17 years. Wish I had photos of that camp. There was a small local hunting club near Batina, the village I lived in and was lucky enough to have been invited on a couple of occasions to barbecues there. Overall was a great year of my life!

 

[mark-hunter]

@sierraone, did you menage to do some hunting then?

yes, 97-98 were post war years, still unstable. It was also a time, of peaceful reintegration of city of Vukovar, and bordering areas, formerly occupied. So it was also sensitive political time.

Tito had a hunting area known for red stag, large area - hunting ground "Belje" which was partly in Serbia, partly in Croatia.

He had another one, very famous, more close to Belgrade, "Karadjordjevo", where he also had frequent political meetings.

Belje was best known for biggest red deer, and Karadjordjevo was most known for political decisions taken there.

Which one have you visited?